Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has requested a federal major disaster declaration for Nebraska counties impacted by a severe summer thunderstorm that produced hurricane force winds and flash flooding August 8–10.
The request includes Lancaster and eleven other counties, Burt, Douglas, Fillmore, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Washington, and Webster. The storm resulted in damage to schools, public facilities and businesses. There were also hundreds of power poles, transformers and downed electrical lines. Those power lines and trees blocked roadways and significant flooding also forced road closures.
One woman was killed during the storm and a man severely injured at Two Rivers State Recreation Area. High winds also blew the roofs off two housing units at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Pillen says the preliminary damage estimates exceed $39 million, with costs expected to increase as assessments continue to be reported from impacted areas.
The request would help provide federal funding to cover costs associated with repairs and replacement to public infrastructure.
(Damage from State Penitentiary. Photo Dep. of Correctional Services)